What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTriethanolamine
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
Solvent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Mel
EmollientUrea
Buffering
Fructose
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Glucuronolactone
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
CI 16255
Cosmetic ColorantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
CI 27755
Cosmetic ColorantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Water, Propylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Triethanolamine, Citric Acid, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Bisabolol, Sodium PCA, Mel, Urea, Fructose, Glucose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glucuronolactone, Glycine, Cellulose Gum, Lysine Hcl, CI 16255, Xanthan Gum, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, CI 27755, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Maltodextrin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tropolone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Amylopectin
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentNiacinamide
Smoothing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
DMDM Hydantoin
Preservative
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sea Water
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
